Pediatrics

Kix Brooks. (photo by Tausha Dickinson)
October 30, 2025

Kix Brooks honored with star on Walk of Champions at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

For over two decades Brooks and his wife, Barbara, have donated their time and resources to Monroe Carell.

By Paige Turner
Erin Soto, MSN, RN, NE-BC, speaks at an event honoring a decade of collaboration between Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital Vanderbilt and Williamson Medical Center (photo courtesy of Williamson Medical Center)
October 30, 2025

Close to Home: How specialized pediatric services are transforming Middle Tennessee 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center is the only distinct pediatric emergency department and dedicated inpatient unit outside of downtown Nashville.

By Holly Fletcher
The Be In The Zone program included a daylong event where students experienced a mock trauma simulation in the ED. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
October 30, 2025

Program shows students that distracted driving can take many forms

Research has found that dialing a phone number while driving increases a teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times.

By Jessica Pasley
October 7, 2025

Human milk pasteurization method impacts preterm infant microbiome

Researchers used whole-metagenome sequencing to assess the composition, diversity and functional enrichment of the preterm infant gut microbiome — the microorganisms that aid digestion, immune function and metabolism.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 7, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt named No. 1 children’s hospital in Tennessee and Southeast by U.S. News & World Report

Monroe Carell has been featured on the Best Children’s Hospitals list for 19 consecutive years, dating back to the rankings’ launch in 2007.

By Christina Echegaray
Country music star Kelsea Ballerini talks with patients during her visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. (photo by Donn Jones)
October 2, 2025

Country music star Kelsea Ballerini donates $100,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and makes special appearance to visit patients and families

The gift, provided through Ballerini’s Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, will benefit the hospital’s efforts to keep the children of Tennessee and beyond safe.

By Christina Echegaray
October 1, 2025

Facility dog’s calming presence helps young heart patient cope with anxiety

Squid, 7, is a part of the Canine Clinicians Facility Dog Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. He provides support, comfort, motivation and care to patients and families.
By Jessica Pasley
September 25, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt offer tips for parents to spot warning signs amid rising suicide rate concerns 

There has been a growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents in Tennessee, where the suicide death rate among youth (ages 5-17) is 13.6% higher than the national average.
By Christina Echegaray
September 23, 2025

Children benefit in multiple ways from cellular therapy advancements

By Tom Wilemon
September 16, 2025

Juan Salazar delivers first State of the Department of Pediatrics address

The new chair celebrated the department’s achievements and growth for the past year and set a vision for the future.
By Christina Echegaray
September 12, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recognized for excellence in treating pediatric cardiomyopathy

The Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Program is one of the largest in the country treating patients with heart problems from before birth through adulthood.
By Christina Echegaray
September 9, 2025

Jamie Phillips named President of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

She brings nearly 30 years of experience in health care administration to Monroe Carell, the past seven of which have been in a chief operating officer role.
By John Howser
September 8, 2025

BMI screening alone misses children with excess body fat, study finds

Waist circumference measurements along with weight and height may be a practical, low-cost marker to confirm excess body fat among children.
By Leigh MacMillan